08/08/2024
Why Are French Bulldogs So Expensive?
The French bulldog is popular because they have a friendly and calm temperament. They’re adaptable to any home and make great family pets, even in homes with kids and seniors.
But they also stand out because of having a high price tag.
In the U.S., the average cost of a French bulldog is between $1,500-$5,000. The most expensive cost as much as $100,000. Additionally, the amount can fluctuate depending on the location and reputation of the breeder.
But why would this little ball of love and fur cost so much? Are these breeds also expensive to own and maintain?
This guide contains the answer to those questions. To begin, let’s find out the combination of reasons why a French bulldog is costly.
Top 12 Reasons Why Frenchies Are So Expensive
1. Rarity of Color and Astonishing Appearance
The rarity of the French bulldog’s color greatly affects its price. Typical Frenchie colors, like a fawn, are less expensive than the merle Frenchie as the latter is rare.
However, if you want to go for the rarest French bulldog color, go for Isabella.
Breeding experts say that Isabella French bulldogs usually have noses with light brown or pink hues and light blue or light brown eyes.
Brindle
$4,000+
Fawn Brindle
$4,500+
Black
$4,500+
Fawn
$5,000+
Cream
$5,000+
White
$5,500+
Lilac
$6,500+
Chocolate
$6,500+
Blue and Blue Fawn
$6,500+
Merle
$6,500+
Isabella
$8,000+
Platinium
$8,000+
Fluffy Frenchie
$12,000+
2. Lineage and Origin
Another reason French bulldogs cost so much is their lineage. A French bulldog from a common lineage is typically valued at $1,500 to $3,000. Meanwhile, French bulldog puppies from champion bloodlines are valued between $2,000 and $6,000.
It is presumed that Frenchies with champion parent dogs have refined temperaments and qualities.
French bulldogs originated in Paris, France, as the breed name suggests. It was originally made for hunting purposes, but hunting sports were later outlawed in England. People bred bulldogs with small terriers at that time to make the dog more suitable for companionship and reduce their size.
From being linked with the women of the night in Paris brothels, French bulldogs soon became associated with higher-end owners. This includes Robert Williams Daniel, who insured his dog for about $17,000 in the 1990s.
3. Difficulty in Breeding
French bulldog puppies
(Source)
Difficulty in breeding contributes to the costly price tag on French bulldogs. Breeding these dogs is challenging because they can’t reproduce naturally due to their narrow hips and physical structure.
That is why the extra effort is required from artificial insemination to labor. This is especially true for teacup French bulldogs. They have unusually oversized heads and small hips, making it difficult for the male French bulldogs to mount on the female naturally.
Female French bulldogs tend to be more costly than male Frenchies. Other costs included in breeding include ensuring a high-protein and healthy diet for the dog's mom during and after pregnancy.
4. Breeder’s Reputation
Breeding French bulldogs is a full-time job because it requires special care. It also requires a lot of time, money, and effort for them to come out healthy and happy.
This means that reputable breeders also sell their expertise in caring for their breeding stock. Moreover, breeders with decades of experience in the animal breeding industry usually offer high-priced Frenchies.
Sadly, some puppy mills breed Frenchie puppies in unsafe conditions while reducing selling prices to increase their profit. To ensure your puppy is raised healthily and ethically, it’s important to buy them from a reputable breeder.
5. Difficulty in Finding a Stud
We have mentioned earlier that breeding French bulldogs is often (around 80%) done through artificial insemination.
The breeder would have to find a stud to provide the s***m. They may even have to “lease” these studs as they’re not typically kept on-site. The critical part of the process here is finding the right stud because the breeder needs to be confident not just of the health of the stud but also in the stud’s parents or history.
White French bulldog
(Source)
Getting a quality stud already costs around $500 to $2,000, plus overnight shipping of $200. You must also consider whether the breeder is properly trained in artificial insemination. If not, there’s an additional cost to perform the insemination and get the s***m checked by the veterinarian.
And this process doesn’t guarantee that the bitch will get pregnant. So the breeder may have already spent thousands of dollars with no result. But if it does result in pregnancy, the difficulty doesn’t end there as it extends to the birthing process.
6. Complications in the Birthing Process
Natural birth isn’t easy for the French bulldog because of the puppy’s large head and the mother’s narrow birthing canal. Sometimes, puppies have to be delivered through a Cesarian section.
The female Frenchie has to be put under general anesthetic, and the entire process would take roughly 90 minutes. The cost of the birthing process alone may already range between $500 to $2000. It is possible to spend less than that or more.
7. Underlying Health Issues
Dog breeders and owners must take care of their dogs so that common genetic diseases won’t be life-threatening for their four-legged friends.
Any reputable breeder will tell you that the underlying health conditions are costly to treat.
8. Sensitivity To Temperature
French bulldog in a grey Sparkpaws jacket
Frenchies prefer a moderate temperature - neither cold nor hot. If the weather is too warm, they may work twice as hard as other breeds to stay cool. Putting them in a kiddie pool during summer can help them cool down.
During winter, Frenchies also start shivering quite quickly. They can benefit from wearing a dog jacket to help them cope with the chill.
Keep your French bulldog warm and stylish during cold weather with SparkPaws’ array of dog jackets, dog hoodies, and knit dog sweaters.
9. Health Documents
Frenchies are becoming one of the most popular dog breeds. However, the fees for preventive medications, deworming, vaccinations, and neutering and spaying add to the final price of a French bulldog.
A complete check-up costs a French bulldog owner anywhere from $330 to $725 yearly. If the medical results show that the dog is ailing, the cost increases.
10. Puppy Registration
Black and whie French Bulldog
(Source)
Puppies with registration papers from the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the American Kennel Club (AKC) will be more costly than those without. Newborn puppies with complete breeding rights and registration cost more than those with limited or no papers.
11. Food Quality
Every French bulldog has different needs for food and nutrition. Most brands that create wet foods for Frenchies are quite expensive than other dogs.
French bulldogs generally enjoy eating dog treats, wet food, and kibble. However, some have unique dietary preferences. Some require a higher protein diet because of their activity level, while others need a low-fat diet to maintain a healthy weight.
12. Adapts to any Lifestyle
People are willing to pay more for a canine that suits their lifestyle. Some dogs, like Huskies, need plenty of space for activity. They start acting out if they don’t get the space they need.
This is what makes French bulldogs unique. They are appropriate for a wide range of lifestyles. Because of their relatively low energy and smaller size, they can live in apartments and eventually into homes with bigger spaces as things change.
They can also quickly adapt to new pets or new little humans.
Is A French Bulldog The Right Dog For You?
French bulldog wearing a gold chain from Sparkpaws
Frenchies are not for everyone. No particular dog breed is. But if you love lap dogs, pushed-in faces, adorable snorting, and a dog that enjoys being around kids, then a French bulldog is the right canine for you.
However, consider a different breed if you want a dog that you can throw the frisbee or run around with for an extended period.
Frenchies need little exercise as they’re not very active or athletic. A quick walk can help them stay healthy.
The only acceptable type of dog collar for Frenchies is either a gold chain collar or a flat collar, given their physical makeup. Complete the set with an initial letter pendant and a Cuban leash.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Frenchie Dog
Pros
The Frenchie breed has a great temperament. They enjoy being around children and love human companionship.
They afford lifelong affection and loyalty. They won’t hesitate to protect you and your family.
They love to cuddle.
Most Frenchies do great with other pets in the house.
Their coats are easy to maintain. A monthly bath and a little brushing should be sufficient.
They’re smart.
They are quiet most of the time and bark only when they want attention or are excited.
They come in a fun variety of colors.
They love to play and are goofy.
Cons
French bulldogs snore at night and sometimes drool.
They cannot usually swim.
They have periodic stubbornness, which may be an obstacle when training them.
Frenchies have genetic predispositions for specific health issues.
They are prone to being overweight if they lack exercise.
A poor Frenchie breeding may cost you more in the end (veterinary bills and disappointments)
Some have a smell because of their tail pocket and facial folds.
They require special attention when taking a bath because of their facial folds and eyes. Still, they’re not as challenging to bathe as other breeds.
Since they’re desirable and incredibly loved, irresponsible breeding is common. Some uncaring breeders simply want a “quick buck” and produce unhealthy puppies.
